updating HPE 661SFP28 Intel XXV710-2 Ethernet NIC firmware to 7.0

[wsong11]

We purchased HPE Ethernet 10/25Gb 2-port 661SFP28 Adapter from HPE that is XXV710-2.

The NIC is running in HPE DL380 Gen10. VMware ESXi 6.7 U1 is installed on it.

Recently we are required to update the ESXi server to U2.

Certified firmware is known to 7.0 with driver vresion 1.8.6.

We updated firmware on the nic with latest Intel firmware update utility but it was not successful. The utility tool thinks firmware 6.8 is the latest version. 

What procedure will be necessary to upgrade firmware on the nic?

I assume EtrackID of the NIC is preventing upgrade path beyond firmware version 6.8. I am attaching inventory log that was collected from the server.

[Mike_Intel]

Hello wsong11,

Thank you for posting in Intel Ethernet Communities. 

Base on the PBA number of your NIC which is J65979-003 found in the attachment that you provided, you are using an HP OEM of XXV710. Have you tried contacting HPE for the firmware file since the firmware tool in our download center website only supports retail version of the XXV710?

If you have questions, please let us know.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technicians

A Contingent Worker at Intel

[wsong11]

Hello, Sorry for delayed responds

This is from HPE support team.

*Note, this SKU requires vendor driver/FW so there will not be any HPE unique features supported such as SPP, iLO or OneView.

HPE advised using Intel FW and driver for the nic.

It seems ETrackId of the nic prevents firware update.

I am attaching "nvmupdate.cfg" file that was used to update firmware.

Thank you

[Mike_Intel]

Hello wsong11,

OEM Network cards can use our generic drivers available on our download site. However, using Intel firmware to an OEM NIC and vice-versa may damage the NIC. That is why we always advise the users to seek assistance in updating the firmware of the NIC to the OEM manufacturer to avoid warranty issues.

If you have questions, please let us know.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technicians

A Contingent Worker at Intel

[Mike_Intel]

Hello wsong11,

I just want to check if you already asked HPE for further assistance on the firmware update.

If you have questions, please let us know.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technicians

A Contingent Worker at Intel

[wsong11]

Hello

HPE again answered the nic is using intel originated driver and firmware. HPE doe not provide HPE drivers and firmware for the nic.

The nic Etrackid is 80003F2B. nvmupdate.cfg file defies 80003F2B is only upto 6.8.

I am wondering a nic with etrackid 80003F2B can be updated with firmeare 7.0 by modifying the cfg file and if it is allowed can intel provide detailed guide how to modify the cfg file.

Than you

[Mike_Intel]

Hello wsong11,

I am really sorry, as much as we want to assist you. The firmware that we have is only for retail Intel Ethernet cards and OEM those update will not work for OEM Ethernet cards.

Please coordinate with HPE and ask them for the latest that they can provide, please do note that we may have different latest firmware. And also, to avoid warranty issues, it is best to install firmware versions from them.

If you have questions, please let us know.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technicians

A Contingent Worker at Intel

[Mike_Intel]

Hello wsong11,

I just want to check if you still have questions or clarifications regarding this issue, please let us know.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technicians

A Contingent Worker at Intel

[Mike_Intel]

Hello wsong11,

I have not heard back from you so I will close this inquiry now. 

If you need further assistance, please post a new question. 

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technicians

A Contingent Worker at Intel